Directed
by Mill+’s Jimmy Kiddell, the ad features five charismatic, finely crafted CG
animals experiencing the speed normally reserved for the cockpit of an Opel
rally race car. Tongues flapping, hair blowing and, in some cases, saliva
splattering - these unorthodox racing drivers are seen encountering a huge
turbine engine rotating at high speed to the adrenalin infused soundtrack ‘Kick Start My Heart’ by the Mötley Crüe.

The
purpose of the spot, which closes with the end line, “Join the race!”,
underscores Opel Motorsport’s ambition to encourage anyone to become a racing
driver (even animals) and sign up to their network of racers - thus inspiring
the universally charming concept devised by Creative Director Willy Kaussen and
the team at Scholz & Friends.

Though
the animal friends won’t be able to take part in the annual Opel Rally Academy
themselves, any human motorsport fan can slide in behind the wheel of an Opel
race car and have a chance to qualify for the ADAC Opel Adam Cup. The launch of
the ad is synced accordingly to Opel winning the FIA European Rally
Championships with its junior Team two weeks ago, giving the brand plenty of
time to promote the next tournament, encouraging the masses to take to the
wheel.

The
animal concept was then innovatively brought to life by The Mill’s animation
team, who worked closely with Kaussen to make these characters look highly
realistic, pushing the boundaries of fur simulation whilst also paying
testament to the original character animation design, keeping humour at the
forefront.

Mill+
Director Jimmy Kiddell comments, ‘Working with Scholz & friends was
brilliant, particularly working with Creative Director Willy Kaussen; a great
brainstorming companion and guide. This, teamed with a funny, inspiring concept
from such a collaborative agency allowed plenty of room to develop the idea
with a streamlined team of our best animators, lighting renderers modelers and
compositors.

Believing
that the job’s success relied on pushing the physical comedy performances, we
were keen to develop a small number of animal characters, building each with a
distinct personality. From an extremely lazy pig with a fondness for being
tickled, to a big easy rider orangutan, a high energy adrenalin junkie of a
squirrel, a novice skydiving toad and an extremely vain lion always looking out
for a hair-styling opportunity; the contagious energy of these playful
characters brings to life Opel Motorsport racing,”

Lead
2D Artist Peter Hodsman explains, ‘Our goal from a 2D perspective was to ensure
that every shot was built and styled in such a way to primarily enhance the
storytelling, whilst simultaneously creating visually engaging images.

We
worked closely with The Mill’s 3D team, lead by Dan Moller, refining all
elements especially the lighting to maximize the theatrical nature of our crazy
animal world. This project was a rare treat to work on.

Colourful,
bold and fun.’

Mill
Head of Colour Seamus O’Kane explains, ‘The opportunity to help build the
environmental reality around such a magnificent cast and to bring forth their
intensity and personality, was both great fun and highly rewarding.

The
meticulous character builds and animation were snuggled into a world of sheen
and shadow which bursts into comic reality, cool driving and beautiful
landscapes. All of us helped develop the grade through to the final iteration
and Jimmy directed with such enthusiasm that we couldn't help but be carried
along on this delightful journey.’